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IN THIS ISSUE "Steel for the bush" winner 3 Product Review - LYSAGHT LOK-KLIP速 Expansion Joint System 21 Book Review - The Connect Effect 22
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CONTENTS WELCOME
Distribution Update Steel for the Bush Global Economic Update Staff Profile Safe Edge
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Welcome to the first edition of The Edge for 2014.
As this publication enters its 4th year, it’s a good time to reflect on the plethora of customers we’ve featured in The Edge over that time. We’ve presented stories featuring a range of BlueScope Distribution customers involved in the broad spectrum of activity that is Australian industry. From vineyard trellis’s to wind turbines, air conditioning ducting to high speed catamarans, mining equipment to waste disposal bins, along with a diverse collection of manufactured components, machinery, building and engineering applications, we’ve seen how steel and the products made from it are at the core of everyday Australian life and industry. From a business perspective, we have also been privileged to be able to partner with those same BlueScope Distribution customers as they navigate through the current difficult manufacturing environment. Much like our many markets and diverse products, this ninth edition of The Edge aims to be broad reaching by highlighting a wide selection of our customers utilising our steel products in a range of innovative applications. In this edition, we proudly acknowledge one of our own employee’s, Danielle Anesbury, who recently raised almost $3000 for the National Breast Cancer Foundation for their ‘Shave for a Cure’ initiative and also congratulate Chris Farrell, the winner of our recent ‘Steel for the Bush’ competition that raised over $15,000 for local charity and community groups. Along with our usual Economic Update, Book Review, Staff Profile and Safety Update, I hope you find something of interest and relevance in Edition 9 of The Edge. Finally, as always, if you think you have an interesting story we could feature in our magazine please contact us via email at contributions@bluescopesteel.com
Andrew Bray Andrew Bray General Manager BlueScope Distribution
CASE STUDIES Interquip Construction 6 Wilson Transformers 8 Kennedy Trailers 10 ICS Industries 12 Abey Australia 14 Smoothflo 16 GVP Fabrications 18
COMMUNITY EDGE Shave for Cure
20
GE PRODUCT ED LYSAGHT LOK-KLIP® 21
BOOK REVIEW The Connect Effect
22
DISTRIBUTION
UPDATE
Since the last edition of The Edge, BlueScope has completed the acquisitions of OneSteel Sheet & Coil, Orrcon Steel and Fielders. These businesses strengthen and complement our market offer and these investments demonstrate our commitment to the Australian Steel Industry and excellence in serving our customers. The new Sheet and Coil team will add capability to our BlueScope Sheet Metal Supplies (SMS) business and will be fully integrated into this team over coming months. Orrcon Steel is a strong and focussed business that will continue to trade as an independent brand with the backing and commitment of BlueScope.
As a customer focussed business, we continue to train and encourage our sales team to better understand their customer's needs and to develop and deliver value propositions to address them. Programmes such as the Steel Efficiency Review (SER) demonstrate our investment in the tools and skills of our frontline sales teams to better equip them to deliver superior customer service in the challenging Australian steel industry and to support our customers for future growth.
r fo e im -t t s r fi s e ik r t s k c u L ’ R E N IN W H S U ‘ B E H T R O F L STEE We are delighted to announce that Chris Farrell from CF Plumbing is the winner of the BlueScope Distribution & Metalcorp Steel, ‘Steel For The Bush’ competition. Chris is a regular customer at the BlueScope Distribution Portland branch and the Ford Falcon XR6 ute was the first time he had ever won a competition: “I absolutely couldn’t believe it! I’ve never won anything in my life before so we couldn’t believe our luck when we won a ute,” said Chris. The ‘Steel For The Bush’ competition was run in 2013, with over 4,000 entries from regional steel purchasers nationwide. Over 40 BlueScope Distribution and Metalcorp Steel branches across all States and Territories participated in the competition that also donated over $15,000 to local charities and community groups. Chris, a regular customer of BlueScope Distribution Portland branch said: “I do a lot of work every year for the Australian Wool Holdings maintaining the wool sheds and had recently purchased purlins. BlueScope Distribution are a wonderful company to deal with. The local guys are very friendly and more than helpful with anything we need.”
Chris Farrell being presented with the keys to his new XR6 ute.
ECONOMIC
UPDATE
C I M O N O C E L A B GLO THE ECONOMY
CONSTRUCTION
• The September quarter national accounts confirmed the ongoing weakness of the Australian domestic economy.
• The ABS recently released construction activity data which showed continuing strength in total building work. Lower interest rates are helping the rebound in activity, especially in multi-dwelling activity.
• Gross domestic product (GDP) growth was a tepid 0.6% in Q3 (2.3% through the year). The major aggregate demand components remained weak: private consumption grew by just 0.4%, and new private business investment by 1.1%. These were largely responsible for growth in domestic demand of 0.4% (0.9% through the year); dwelling investment and underlying public final demand both drifted down. • The terms of trade declined by 3.3% in Q3, reflecting continuing weakness in commodity prices, to be 3.6% lower than a year ago. • On the production side, the multi-speed nature of the economy persists. Growth was concentrated in the services sectors (arts & recreation, public administration, health care and finance) and mining. Production contracted in utilities, accommodation & food services, wholesale trade, manufacturing and telecommunications. • Low interest rates continue to percolate through asset markets, particularly equity prices. Growth in the housing market has been strongest in Sydney and Melbourne, but this may also reflect the effects of increasing Asian interest in safe haven assets. • The RBA continues to signal that it is prepared to wait to see how past cash rate cuts pan out as well as the impacts of a falling AUD.
• The value of total building activity rose by 1.6% in Q3. It is expected to grow by over 2% for the full 1H FY14 over 2H FY13. • The value of new residential construction was up 1.3%, with this growth trend expected to continue for the full 1H FY14. Multi-dwelling activity was up 3.8% in Q3, and is anticipated to grow by over 6% for the full 1H compared to 2H FY13. • The number of detached dwellings commenced rose 1.3% % in Q3, with growth of around 4% anticipated for the full 1H FY14 versus 2H FY13. • The value of non-residential construction rose by 3.0% in Q3. Activity is set to rise strongly through 2014, with growth of around 4% anticipated for the full 1H FY14 versus 2H FY13. • Engineering construction activity is starting to flat-line and moderate in line with a peak in mining investment. Due to a significant amount of work still in the final pipeline stages, the value of work done rose 4.3% in Q3, but is likely to pull back to be flat or slightly negative for 1H FY14 compared to 2H FY13. • Leading indicators are suggesting improving levels of activity in the residential & non-residential sectors. Total housing finance and total building approvals (construction or purchase) continue to demonstrate significant growth, with growth of 16.5% and 7.3% respectively for 1H FY14 compared to 2H FY13. Commercial & Industrial approvals are up a strong 11.8%. • Dwelling approvals are now running above their long-term average levels. • More evidence that interest rate cuts have been taking effect, with RP Data showing house prices rose by a further 1.4% in December. House prices rose by 9.8% over 2013, very much led by Sydney with a 14.5% gain over the year. Stronger house prices are helping to underpin a lift in residential construction activity. • Non-residential construction activity is improving lead by the Commercial and Industrial sector, with evidence of private sector confidence re-emerging within the market. The Australian Industry Group’s (AiG) Performance of Construction index is showing significant improvement over the course of 1H FY14, averaging 49.3 points (up 14.8 points on 1H FY13). In the last 3 months the index has jumped well into expansion territory averaging 53.5. • Non-residential building approvals for the Commercial & Industrial sector reflect an improving outlook. ABS data shows value of approvals (in current dollars) for 1H FY14 is up nearly 25% over 1H FY13. The pipeline of projects set to commence in coming quarters appear healthy, especially in retail, offices and accommodation investment.
IC UPDATE Half Year Economic Sector Comparisons MINING INVESTMENT
AGRICULTURE (sourced from ABARE)
• The mining sector is transitioning from investment boom to production boom. Investment slowdown is underway, but there are differences by commodity, however overall investment will remain high in historical terms.
• The value of Australia's farm exports is forecast to be around $38 billion in 2013-14. If realised, this will be a record high in nominal terms and around 8 per cent above the average over five years to 2012-13 in real terms.
• Strong increases expected for production and operations services.
• Export earnings from crops are forecast to decline by 7.4 per cent to around $21.3 billion in 2013-14, while export earnings from livestock and livestock products are forecast to increase by 11.9 per cent to $16.7 billion in 2013-14.
• Mining will still be a positive driver of growth in the economy. • But mining will not be a driver of employment. • Contractors will continue to face pressure. • Cost growth will be weaker and, in some cases, from a lower base. • Lower AUD will start to assist competitiveness. • Longer term, further smaller investment cycles ahead
• World prices of most grains and oilseeds are forecast to average lower in 2013-14, because of increased production in major producing regions. However, the adverse impact on Australia is expected to be partially offset by an assumed lower value of the Australian dollar in 2013-14 • Farm commodities for which export earnings are forecast to increase in 2013-14 include beef and veal (up 12 per cent), dairy products (24 per cent) and wine (4 per cent). In contrast, lower export earnings are forecast for wheat (down 6 per cent), canola (31 per cent) and cotton (19 per cent). • Farm production, in aggregate, is forecast to rise by 2.9 per cent in 2013-14. This compares with a decline of 2.0 per cent in 2012-13. • The gross value of crop production is forecast to increase by 3.6 per cent in 2013-14 to $28.8 billion while the gross value of livestock production is forecast to increase by 9.9 per cent to $22.1 billion.
MANUFACTURING INVESTMENT • The manufacturing sector continues to feel the strains of weak domestic demand, high cost pressures and a high AUD currency impacting on international competitiveness. • The Australian Industry Group’s (AiG) Performance of Manufacturing index slowly improved over the course of 1H FY14, averaging 48 points (up 5 points on 2H FY13). In the last 4 months the index has averaged 50, edging its way back towards expanding activity. A lower AUD will help with increased demand & manufacturers compete on global markets. • Manufacturing CAPEX rose 2.5% in Q3, but from a very small base that has been in decline for many quarters. Investment in this sector is widely anticipated to remain flat or be slightly negative for the full 1H when compared to 2H FY13.
• Export earnings from fisheries products are forecast to increase by 6.2 per cent to around $1.25 billion in 2013-14, following a decline of 4.2 per cent in 2012-13. • Drought in Queensland is forecast to reduce winter crop production in the state by 20 per cent in 2013-14. Summer crops are also forecast to decline in 2013-14, with grain sorghum down 25 per cent. Drought conditions have also forced an increase in the cattle turn-off in Queensland, which was 12 per cent higher in the first four months of 2013-14 compared to the same period last year. • Overall, farm cash income of broadacre farms in drought declared areas in Queensland is projected to decline from an average of $148 400 a farm in 2012-13 to an average of just $55 000 a farm in 2013-14. Farm cash income projected for 2013-14 is around 45 per cent below the average farm cash income in real terms for the 10 years to 2011-12. • Average farm business profit in drought declared areas of Queensland is expected to decline from an average profit of $24 200 a farm in 2012-13 to an average loss of $52 000 a farm in 2013-14.
Source: BlueScope Steel Economics Disclaimer: This document is made available to you on a strictly confidential and non-reliance basis. While every care has been taken to ensure the accuracy of the information, BlueScope Distribution Pty Ltd does not warrant the accuracy, completeness, currency or fitness for purpose of the information. You should verify and check the accuracy, completeness, reliability and suitability of the information contained in this document for any use to which you intend to put it. Except to the extent to which liability may not lawfully be excluded or limited,BlueScope Distribution Pty Ltd and its related bodies corporate will not be liable to you or any third party for any direct, indirect or special loss or damage however caused (including, without limitation, breach of contract, negligence and breach of statute), which may be suffered or incurred in connection with the information.
CASE
STUDY
INTERQUIP CONSTRUCTION
A partnership
as good as
I can’t give Andrew Smith and the BlueScope Distribution Dubbo team enough credit for their work on this project...
When the first gold bar is poured at the new Tomingley Gold Mine in early 2014, it will signify the completion of another successful project for BlueScope Distribution Dubbo customer, Interquip Construction. The mine, owned by Alkane Resources and located near Tomingley, 50km south-west of Dubbo, is a $116 million undertaking that is projected to yield about 400,000 to 500,000 ounces of gold over its target life of up to 10 years.
However, keeping a complex mine construction project supplied with all the materials at the right time was not just an issue of sitting back and waiting for the orders to come in.
Interquip Construction was contracted to provide the site-erected tanks as well as the structural, mechanical and piping construction for the project.
Explained Andrew Smith, BlueScope’s Business Development Manager, “Right from the start I kept in close contact with Jeff both by phone and with regular site meetings to ensure that we were always up to date with where the project was at and what the upcoming material needs were.
Founded in 1996, Interquip specialises in providing complete construction and supply solutions for mining industry clients and have successfully delivered projects for some of Australia’s leading mining companies including Millennium Minerals, Galaxy Resources, and Kentor Gold. As with many mine developments, the Tomingley project has taken some years to reach fruition. While initial exploration of the site was undertaken by Alkane Resources in 2001, construction on the site did not commence until January 2013. What followed was an intense 12 months for Interquip and other key contractors until the construction phase of the project was signed off on 22 January 2014. “It has certainly been busy year,” said Jeff Butterfield, Interquip’s Logistics Co-ordinator for the Tomingley Project. “The mine construction business can be challenging where deadlines and conditions change on a daily basis. We pride ourselves on keeping our projects on track and hitting our deadlines and we look for suppliers that can support us in achieving that.” It was the ability to support Interquip in achieving the project deadlines that saw them turn to BlueScope Distribution Dubbo to provide a wide array of steel pipes and accessories. “When we were looking for a supplier we considered a number of proposals,” said Jeff. “Having worked successfully with BlueScope Distribution on other projects over recent years, we weren’t surprised that they were able to offer the most comprehensive product supply and service package.” “We understood up front that not everything we needed would necessarily be in stock at Dubbo, however BlueScope Distribution was able to show us how they could quickly draw on stock from their national network of sites when needed,” Jeff said.
“Working closely with Jeff and the Interquip site team ensured we all understood precisely when material was needed and I worked with the local BlueScope Pipeline Supplies team to ensure the deliveries were in full and on time. Just like any BlueScope customer order, it was a team effort.” Over the course of the project BlueScope supplied Interquip Construction with XLERPLATE® steel plate, mesh, painted and galvanised commercial pipes and large diameter ERW pipes. Complementing these steel products, BlueScope also provided a multitude of pipe fittings including T’s, unions, flanges, gaskets, sockets, elbows and assorted stainless steel fittings ranging in size from 15mm to 350mm. Rounding out the complete steel supply package was the provision of a selection of LYSAGHT® steel roofing, walling and water products for the construction of the all important “Gold Room” where the final ingots are cast. To celebrate the completion of the construction project, BlueScope Distribution and Interquip held an on-site BBQ to acknowledge the successful partnership and the efforts of all the workers on-site. “I can’t give Andrew Smith and the BlueScope Distribution Dubbo team enough credit for their work on this project,” said Jeff. “There were a number of times when we could have been caught short, or there could have been a drama, but BlueScope Distribution came through for us every time.” For more information about Interquip Construction visit www.interquip.com.au
CASE
STUDY
WILSON TRANSFORMERS
Competitive conditions transform a relationship BlueScope Distribution has been able to respond to that pressure pretty well and because of that we have been able to continue a long standing relationship.
Since the Wilson Transformer Company was founded in 1933, just three years after BlueScope’s Port Kembla Steelworks produced its first steel, these two Australian manufacturers have shared much in common.
Today, their commercial relationship is close, but like the face of Australia’s manufacturing industry in general, also vastly different than it was 80 years ago. Wilson Transformer Company has grown to become the largest Australian manufacturer of power and distribution transformers. After outgrowing premises in South Melbourne and Port Melbourne, the company moved to Glen Waverley, the present site of its head office and power transformer manufacturing operations. Power and distribution transformer manufacture was moved to a new plant in the Albury/Wodonga area in 1981, and in 1994, a number of separate power and distribution business units were created. These days, the company employs over 500 people at its Glen Waverley and Wodonga plants. Jon Retford, general manager of the Wodonga facility which employs 270 staff, reflected on current market conditions and his company’s relationship with BlueScope Distribution through its Albury branch. “In today’s competitive market, customers don’t hold stock and don’t want to have to wait for anything. They also are not able to forecast what they want too far in advance, but when they do want it, you’d better have it in stock or they will go elsewhere. “This is why we need suppliers who are clever enough to not need a forecast because that’s the space we are operating in with our customers.” For BlueScope Distribution, the response to that situation has included Just-In-Time delivery, inventory management, cut-to-length material and holding special grade plate and cold rolled steel coils at Albury. With orders placed by 3pm one day, the material is delivered by 7.30am the following morning.
“The best of our relationships are the ones where our customers give us very regular inventory reports, sometimes daily, of what products they have used from their store stock,” Jon Retford said. “We have the ability to replace those items very quickly. In fact, in some cases it takes longer to transport the products to customers’ remote sites than it does for us to make them. Our motto is to ‘make what they take’ and that really drives inventory out of the supply chain.” “Our customers, such as Energex in Queensland, want a product with the durability and quality to last 40 or 50 years. From a steel point of view, you need the quality of BlueScope’s products to ensure the ability of the steel to be successfully coated for long-term corrosion protection. “BlueScope Distribution holds quite a deal of stock for us locally and delivers frequently on an as-needed basis. We don’t have a lot of room to store steel, so it is important that our supplier has the ability to top-up our stocks as we use them. “Because of the strong dollar, our customers are considering purchasing complete transformers from overseas. That puts commercial pressure on us, and that, naturally flows through into our supply chain. “BlueScope Distribution has been able to respond to that pressure pretty well and because of that, we have been able to continue a long-standing relationship. “It’s not getting any easier. The relationship has changed. It’s become more and more commercial. I’m not saying it wasn’t in the past, but the reality of life is that manufacturing in this country is relatively expensive. “We’ve all got to find clever ways of adding value for our customers that they are prepared to pay for. It’s about agility, flexibility and service levels and that’s what’s happening in this relationship.” For more company information visit www.wtc.com.au
CASE
STUDY KENNEDY TRAILERS
30 years ago, when a young boilermaker was travelling through rural Victoria in an old Falcon ute doing welding repair work, he could only dream that one day his sons would be running the successful Australian manufacturing business that he started from those humble beginnings. In 1980 as his fledgling truck and trailer repair business outgrew his parents’ driveway and garage, a young Garry Kennedy founded Kennedy Trailers in Bairnsdale, Victoria.
“Garry and his wife Debbie started the business from scratch and now, 30 years later, their sons Lynden and Cory have taken over the day-to-day running of Kennedy Trailers.”
Six years later, Kennedy Trailers built their first logging trailer from purchased drawings and plans and the way forward was set.
Not surprisingly, maintaining a successful manufacturing business is not without its challenges.
With Australia’s then-strong timber industry booming, Kennedy Trailers continued to grow and as the needs of the logging industry changed, Kennedy Trailers moved to manufacture more custom-built designs and developed a strong reputation for their top quality, purpose built, tough trailers.
“Like most Australian manufacturers, we’re seeing increasing competition from fully imported or part-imported trailers,” said Cory.
Using his hands-on experience and self-taught design skills, Garry introduced a number of new concepts to his trailer designs such as a unique folding skel trailer that hydraulically folded onto the prime mover allowing for better access to bush tracks and logging coups. Fast forward to 2014 and now employing 40 staff, Kennedy Trailers has expanded their expertise into the manufacture of logging, mining and heavy transport equipment. “Kennedy Trailers is one of those great family business success stories that are such a part of the Australian manufacturing sector,” explained Nick Marchesani, BlueScope Distribution’s Morwell Branch Manager.
“Fortunately for us, Dad built this business on a philosophy of fully understanding our customers’ needs, engineering a solution that specifically met those needs, only using quality materials and with our commitment to quality manufacturing, we ensure our customers always get the best trailer to suit their requirements. “We’re proudly Australian and we believe that being close to our customers means we can offer them a level of service and customisation they can’t get from overseas manufacturers.” A key advantage Kennedy Trailers has over many other trailer manufacturers is their ability to undertake a complete design and build in-house. “We start the build process by talking to our customers about their specific needs. Every application will have different functionality, dimensions, tare and even OH&S requirements,” explained Cory.
L-R: Mark Sunderland, Reinie Kennedy, Lyndan Kennedy, Cory Kennedy, Nick Marchesani, Garry Kennedy, Debbie Kennedy, Rebecca Enjes and Shaun Britt.
Kennedy Trailers founder Garry Kennedy with Nick Marchesani from BlueScope Distribution.
We’re proudly Australian and we bel ieve that being close to our custom ers means we can offer them a level of service and cus tomisation they can’t get from overse as manufacturers.
“The functional specification we develop in those discussions then goes to our in-house design team.
“Kennedy Trailers came to us with a requirement for a particular grade of tough heat treated steel plate that was outside the normal BlueScope range,” explained Nick.
“Our designers are some of the most experienced in the industry and they draw on their years of experience to develop a specific design that efficiently meets the customers’ functionality, performance and importantly, weight requirements.
“Not being able to satisfy their requirements with a BlueScope product, we used our international expertise and networks to identify and evaluate the perfect solution from Ruukki in Finland, which has now grown into a strong distribution partnership to supply Ruukki's RAEX Wear Resistant steels and OPTIM High Strength steels.”
“From those designs we then individually build each trailer, piece by piece, from the ground up.” Kennedy Trailers recently purchased a state of the art CNC plasma cutting machine to supplement their in-house manufacturing capability. “With our own machine we can design parts, cut and make any small adjustments quickly and easily with a minimum of impact to our production schedules,” explained Cory. Adding this capability to their already efficient manufacturing process means Kennedy Trailers can now build a complete two dolly (carriage), four bin side-tip trailer in two weeks. Meeting the needs of the mining industry requires a rig that is not only extremely tough, impact and wear resistant but its structural weight needs to be minimised to maximise the payload while meeting a range of transport and safety legislations. That means a special grade of steel is required. To support Kennedy Trailers’ requirements for a suitable wear and high strength steel, BlueScope Distribution has recently commenced supplying a new to market wear resistant and high strength steel from Finland. To provide this product a partnership has been formed with Ruukki, a leading Scandinavian steel manufacturer.
To ensure the best supply package for Kennedy Trailers, BlueScope Distribution also worked with Ruukki to develop a special non-standard plate length that better suited Kennedy’s requirements. Rounding out the supply package, BlueScope Distribution now hold stocks of the Ruukki plate from which Kennedy Trailers draw on to match their production schedule. The end result being that Kennedy Trailers has on-demand access to the special steel plate product they need without having to maintain a large, costly, stockholding. “Essentially it’s that combination of technical expertise and ability to develop and manage customised product supply packages for our clients that’s at the heart of the BlueScope Distribution offer for Kennedy Trailers,” explained Nick. That’s a sentiment shared by Cory Kennedy. “BlueScope Distribution has been a integral part of the Kennedy Trailers story from the start and this latest supply arrangement with Ruukki plate is just another example of the service and expertise they’ve been able to provide over the years, meaning we can focus on building the best trailers and rigs for our customers,” said Cory. For more information on Kennedy Trailers visit www.kennedytrailers.com.au
CASE
STUDY ICS INDUSTRIES
Building a school of
high KNOCKS
Dinner
Stove
Kitchen
1000 x 1100H
3500
600 x 600
1000 x 1100H
2800
600 x 600
wc Bath Room Bed Room 3
Fridge
950 x 620
900
950 x 620
3500
1250 x 620
ICS Industries has very high standards and rigorous Bedquality Room 2 internal processes, so we wanted to ensure that our product Living and Room supply package was aligned to their expectations.
2400 BATHROOM
1000 x 1100H
2180
1100 HALL
2780
1000 x 1100H
2790
A chance meeting in Melbourne means that a school that serves 300 children in a remote part of Papua New Guinea will soon be able to attract teachers with a new accommodation unit supplied by ICS Industries. The Holy Cross Homaria Primary School is located in the Southern Highlands Province near the centre of Papua New Guinea. Over 50% of the local population of 12,000 are children of school age, many of whom would have no access to formal education were it not for the school. Current facilities at the school are modest comprising classrooms and teachers’ quarters built using bush materials by the local community volunteers. ICS Industries’ involvement with the school came about after a chance meeting with the head of the local diocese, Father Peter Hinawai. “My wife Fiona met Father Hinawai while he was studying for his Masters in Theology in late 2011,” explained Michael Lennox, Managing Director of ICS industries. “Father Hinawai explained to Fiona how the diocese, like many villages in Papua New Guinea, was having trouble attracting quality educators to the school because of the lack of quality resources and teacher accommodation. ICS Industries involvement started soon after when Fiona arrived home one night and announced “Guess what we’re going to do!” After hearing of the plight of the school from his wife and subsequently meeting Father Hinawai Michael decided to travel to the region in December 2012 to see firsthand whether ICS Industries could assist the school. “What really struck me on that visit, apart from the lack of resources and poor living and working conditions, was the enthusiasm for education from the children and their families,” said Michael. “I knew right away that I wanted to help this community and it was obvious that ICS Industries have the means to make a very real difference to the quality of education that the children could receive.” Founded in 1999 to provide communication shelters to Telstra, Optus and Vodaphone, ICS Industries design and manufacture transportable communications buildings, modular buildings, switch rooms, sheet metal cabinets plus a range of mobile satellite and communication solutions. 100
100
Delivery of the initial accommodation unit being supplied by ICS Industries first involves manufacturing and fully constructing the structure at their factory in Thomastown, Victoria and then breaking it down for container transport to PNG. 1100
Once in PNG, the components will then be road freighted to the foothills of the southern highlands in central Papua New Guinea. “With customers in all corners of Australia, delivering our buildings to remote and difficult to access locations is nothing new for us,” commented Michael. 2075
3500
975
“Having said that, the Southern Highlands of Papua New Guinea will no doubt throw up some unique challenges.”
7200
TYPICAL WINDOW SETOUT
VARIES WALL MOUNTED LIGHT
1150
820
2040
VARIES
1100
3500
1000
BlueScope Sheet Metal Supplies is also doing its part supporting this project by donating around three and a half tonnes of BlueScope GALVABOND® steel for the construction of floor structure. “It wasn’t a big surprise when Michael approached us to get involved with ICS Industries on this project,” said Peter Schepis, Market Development Manager at BlueScope Sheet Metal Supplies. “We’ve been working with Michael for a few years now and have come to understand that he and his wife Fiona are very charitable people, always willing to assist where they can for a genuinely good cause. “Michael has an ongoing involvement with the Variety Club of Victoria and Fiona supports a number of local school and community groups.” BlueScope Sheet Metal Supplies has been supplying ICS Industries a range of products including galvanised, hot rolled pickle and oiled and ZINCANNEAL® steel and have undertaken a Steel Efficiency Review™ (SER®) to better understand their requirements and service improvement opportunities. “ICS Industries has very high quality standards and rigorous internal processes, so we wanted to ensure that our product and supply package was aligned to their expectations,” explained Peter. “Their Production Manager, Kristian Dato, comes from an automotive background so he fully appreciates the importance of efficiency gains in a modern manufacturing business. “The SER® process enabled us to better understand their specific tolerance, packaging and supply needs and further develop our offering to meet those requirements.” Based on the SER® process, BlueScope Sheet Metal Supplies was able to identify and introduce a number of enhancements including cut-to-size blanks to minimise wastage and processing time, an integrated JIT supply package to improve stock management and detailed quality plans outlining the specific sheet and packaging tolerances required for ICS Industries automated laser cutting machine. “We’ve been working with BlueScope Sheet Metal Supplies for about three years now, and in that time, they’ve shown a real commitment to understanding our business and have tailored their supply package to suit our specific needs,” said Michael Lennox. “Also being a part of a trusted global company like BlueScope means they appreciate the value and importance of providing assistance to those less fortunate.” For more information on ICS Industries visit www.icsindustries.com.au
CASE
STUDY ABEY AUSTRALIA
Innovation keeps Abey A
mitment to tolerances m co ng ro st a ve ha so al ) pe They (BlueSco nt to us. If a problem rta po im y el m tre ex is ch hi w , and quality tion to correct it. ac ke ta to k ic qu e ar ey th en arises th
Australia
highly
COMPETITIVE Local company Abey Australia has a product list that just keeps getting larger. For over 50 years, Abey has been providing Australians with products that have endured the test of time and has continued to innovate to stay ahead of the competition.
Venkatesh also explained the nature of Abey’s relationship with BlueScope Sheet Metal Supplies.
Today Abey is represented in all Australian states marketing over 1,200 products which include tap ware, sinks, appliances and bathroom fittings from leading designers in Australia and overseas.
“It’s a lot more than regular deliveries and a once a month meeting,” he said. “BlueScope makes special steels for us such as special grades of ZINCALUME® steel in G2N and Galvanised G3N grades for pressed parts that require deep drawing capabilities for products such as guttering pops and gas cowls.
Abey manufactures and supplies plumbers clipping systems, masonry products, flexible connectors, gas flueing systems, stainless steel building connectors, flashings and a broad range of accessories.
“They also have a strong commitment to tolerances and quality, which is extremely important to us. If a problem arises then they are quick to take action to correct it."
The Abey head office and manufacturing facility, located in Melton, Victoria, employs over 150 people and the company has plans to expand into New Zealand and Europe.
“Other ways in which they assist us include material analysis and technical reports which we can then pass on to our customers as proof of quality. With our new powder coating operations, BlueScope has conducted salt spray testing to give us baseline durability figures to support our product quality claims."
Finding new ways to satisfy customer needs by focusing on solutions, Abey has been led in its quest by current Managing Director, Geoff Anderson and a supportive management team. In recent years, much of Abey Australia’s efforts have gone into the introduction of innovations designed to simplify the work of builders and plumbers and to save time on building sites.
“Steel deliveries to us happen every week or fortnight depending on our requirements. They build stock as we take it and we find that BlueScope Sheet Metal Supplies is very proactive in understanding the market as a whole and our needs in particular so that they can anticipate them.” For more information on Abey Australia visit www.abey.com.au
BlueScope Sheet Metal Supplies has been a longstanding supplier to Abey Australia, assisting with new product development and testing. It has also developed a quality plan to meet specific Abey requirements for product tolerances and packaging, as well as assisting with market intelligence, stock management and just in time supply. Production and Tool room Manager Venkatesh Kittur says that the company’s manufacturing efforts are mainly centred on masonry, plumbing and building products. “Because of the competitive nature of the markets in which we compete as a local manufacturer, we have to have every advantage going for us,” he said. “In recent years we have really made an effort to use the latest technology, which helps us maintain our stream of innovative products. For instance, all of our metal presses are fully automated. Most recently, we have made a significant investment in robotics and that has been supported by a government grant. That will soon come online in our powder-coating plant.” Production and Tool Room Manager Venkatesh Kittur with Abey Managing Director Geoff Anderson.
CASE
STUDY SMOOTHFLO
Ready to
TAKE ON A CHALLENGE From his AFL playing days in the 80's and 90's with Geelong, Sydney and Footscray, to his current role as owner of a component manufacturer for the air conditioning industry, Bernard Toohey has always liked a challenge.
During his 13 season career, Bernard played more than 250 games, but it’s fair to say that his current role as owner of Smoothflo Products has been just as challenging as anything he faced on the footy field. Smoothflo Products manufactures and distributes high quality duct components for use in the industrial and commercial air-conditioning industry. “I’m only relatively new into the manufacturing industry,” Bernard said. “Until two years ago, my family and I lived in the Albury Wodonga region and ran a line marking company and Red Rooster store." “For family reasons we decided to move back to Melbourne and through friends of ours who own an accounting firm we were made aware of Smoothflo Products and bought the company." “That brought me in contact with BlueScope, and let’s face it, I needed all the assistance I could get." “To produce quality air conditioning ducting and components you need everything to be right – including basic things such as the slitting of the steel." “We supply to guys who make air conditioning ductwork systems for high rise commercial buildings throughout Australia. Our components need to be durable because you don’t want to be replacing sections of ducting 50 floors up." “We pride ourselves on supplying a quality Australian manufactured product made from Australian steel.”
Bernard Toohey (Smoothflo Products) with Peter Schepis.
Being able to work with Smoothflo as they developed their production processes has been a positive experience for both companies. The duct components manufactured by Smoothflo Products include a range of bell mouth spigots, flex (fan) connectors, duct flange and corners, TDF & TDC corners.
“Being able to work with Smoothflo as they developed their production processes has been a positive experience for both companies.”
The market is quite a niche one, but competition is nonetheless strong, both from other local manufacturers and products imported from the United States.
Through the SER® process, Peter and the BlueScope team were able to identify the specific product attributes that best suited Smoothflo’s machines and ensure that material was supplied to match those specifications.
“A couple of the sections our roll formers produce look like a nightmare in steel,” Bernard said. “We’ve found that the steel which works best with our roll formers is the product supplied by BlueScope."
Also, through better understanding Smoothflo’s business, BlueScope Sheet Metal Supplies has also been able to develop a tailored stock management and JIT supply package.
“Various people told me that roll forming could be a nightmare without the right skills and materials. Over time we’ve come to find that the steel from BlueScope works best for us."
“In the grand scheme of things, we’re a small operation, but BlueScope understand the variety of steel widths and thicknesses we require,” said Bernard
“When we first took over the company it took a while for me to get my head around the industry and BlueScope was a big assistance with that.” “They also hold stock on the floor for us. If I’ve miscalculated and need more steel, I can ring and have a next day delivery.” “They’ve taken the time to get to know our business, and as a result, are good at recognising supply needs and timing."
“The previous owner of the business hadn’t tried to expand into other states, but I have distributors now in Sydney, Brisbane, Perth and Darwin. We are looking to expand into Adelaide in the near future.” “BlueScope has provided sales leads to assist with that process.” Smoothflo Products is a small company that sees its strength in flexibility and commitment to fully servicing the needs of its customers.
BlueScope Sheet Metal Supplies undertook a Steel Efficiency Review™ of the Smoothflo operations as one of the first priorities on becoming their supplier.
In addition to its range of duct products, it offers a comprehensive in-house metal pressing and sheet-metal blanking service, utilising the latest in press technology.
“The SER® process is a great tool for a company in the early days of establishing their manufacturing operations,” explained Peter Schepis, Account Manager with BlueScope Sheet Metal Supplies.
Through its relationship with BlueScope, Smoothflo has access to quality steel to ensure that it will always be able to make the most of its equipment’s capabilities.
“Usually we do these reviews when a business has been operating for a number of years and it can sometimes be more challenging to change existing behaviours and processes.”
For more company information visit www.smoothflo.com.au
CASE
STUDY GVP FABRICATIONS
R
F
FOR THE
STARS
How BlueScope Distribution partnered with GVP Fabricators to put a sliding roof over the head of some of the world’s greatest tennis stars… The Melbourne Park Tennis Centre is home to the Australian Open and work is nearing completion on a multi-million dollar redevelopment that will see it become the only venue in the world featuring three courts with retractable roofs. Redevelopment of the Margaret Court Arena – formerly Show Court One and renamed in 2003 to honour the most successful player in world tennis history – is due for completion in early 2014. The arena’s state-of-the-art retractable roof and an additional 1500 spectator seats are being built by Melbourne-based GVP Fabricators, who have worked closely with BlueScope Distribution from inception through to completion of this prestigious project. “GVP has been a long term customer of ours and we’ve built a great working relationship,” said Ron Vento, BlueScope Distribution’s Key Account Manager on the project. Ron is responsible for close liaison with GVP Fabricators and has worked with General Manager Nick Palamaras on many projects prior to this. “To help GVP win this contract we needed to guarantee three things: quality, supply and price. “BlueScope Distribution’s relationship with GVP Fabricators is built on trust. GVP trusts us to deliver the best quality steel products, to supply them on time every time and to fix the pricing for the life of the project, so there are no surprises. “For us this means knowing our products, knowing our capabilities and knowing that at the end of the day we can deliver on our promises,” Ron explained. GVP Fabricators is one of BlueScope Distribution’s biggest customers in the commercial sector and the two companies have worked on projects as diverse as the Southern Cross Hotel, Melbourne Convention Centre and the National Gallery of Victoria. Seamless supply, consistent and traceable quality practices and fixed pricing have been the cornerstones of these and other projects and the experience gained in the past has helped both companies bring the Margaret Court Arena roofing project in on time and on budget. “My role has been to take the project schedule, procure the products and deliver as required. As simple as that might sound it’s a lot more complex. Things like changes to the project schedule can be a real challenge,” Ron quipped.
When the going gets tough… Promoting the use of Australian steel, ensuring quality and on-time delivery were all factors that played their part in securing the project for GVP Fabricators. When asked how difficult winning the contract was, Nick Palamaras, General Manager for GVP Fabricators said, “It’s a competitive market out there and you’ve got to be very smart about how you price a job these days.” “Experience was a big factor. Lend Lease, who we’re contracted to, was very comfortable with us because of other projects we’ve done for them and at the end of the day we’ve had to get the project finished on time. We started in April last year and the majority of it, including the roof, had to be finished in time for the 2014 Australian Open. There were trusses weighing 44 tons and everything had to be designed, materials sourced, fabricated, painted, delivered and installed on time – no excuses.” Although not the biggest job in dollar terms that GVP has undertaken, at around $15 million the Margaret Court Arena project is certainly one of the most high profile jobs. Especially considering it’s on global television for 14 days. “The roof is actually finished and ready to go, although it was left open during this year’s Australian Open,” Nick explained. “It just needs to be commissioned.” “Having an agreed pricing model with BlueScope Distribution for the duration of the contract – about a year – made us feel very comfortable. We had afternoon shifts and two factories cranked up to bring this project in on time. At the end of the day what we do is deliver.” “We’ve got a long relationship with BlueScope Distribution. We’ve never had a problem and have always found them more than helpful. They help us out and it makes a difference out there, I tell you,” Nick concluded. For more information on GVP Fabrications call (03) 9587 2172.
MARGARET COURT:
Aussie girl made good... A little known fact to most Australians is that Margaret Court, AO, MBE, is the most successful player in world tennis history. Margaret’s career spanned 17 years, from 1960 to 1977, and her string of successes is unmatched to this day. Margaret Court was the first woman in the modern Open era and the second ever to win a Grand Slam, which is all four major titles in the same year. She went on to win 24 Major titles as well as 19 Women’s Doubles and 21 Mixed Doubles titles, giving her a record 64 Major titles all-up. She was also the only women to win a Grand Slam in Mixed Doubles, which she achieved twice. Margaret was the youngest of four children from an unassuming family in Albury, on the NSW border with Victoria. A natural left hander, she was encouraged to change to right-handed playing after she took up the sport at the age of eight. At just 17 she won the first of 8 consecutive Single’s titles, in 1960, at the Australian Championships.
We’ve got a long relationship with BlueScope Distribution. We’ve never had a problem...
In 1962 Margaret Court became the first Australian woman to win a Grand Slam overseas, and in 1963, the first Australian woman to win Wimbledon. When she retired from professional tennis in 1977 she was, and still is, the only player to have won all 12 Grand Slam titles at least twice. Margaret retired when she found she was pregnant with her fourth child, having played her last Grand Slam in 1975.
COMMUNITY
EDGE
SHAVE FOR CURE
Close shave for a GOOD CAUSE
Be fo re
Fund raising often has its challenges, but is a rewarding process, especially if the cause is close to your heart. Recently, Dannielle Anesbury from BlueScope Sheet Metal Supplies in Victoria took on the challenge to raise funds and awareness for the National Breast Cancer Foundation, but with a slightly different twist. In exchange for donating, Dannielle promised to shave her head! The thought of shaving your head can be quite daunting for a lot of people, however Danni took it all in her stride. This cause couldn’t be more important to Dannielle, and when asked why she decided to fund raise for this important foundation, she said: “I wanted to raise funds for the National Breast Cancer Foundation and spread awareness of the importance of regular breast examinations, but my main reason was to support my mum. My mum was diagnosed with breast cancer in August 2013 and after her hair began to fall out after her first round of chemo, it wasn't
too long before it was all gone, so to support her I decided to shave mine off. A lot of people have commented saying I'm very brave for shaving my hair off but I disagree, I say mum (and all the other women out there affected by breast cancer) are the brave ones. All I have done is cut my hair.” Originally Danni had planned to have a gold coin donation casual day at SMS Sunshine to raise the money, but Daryl Mann and Andrew Taintey encouraged her to reach out to the rest of the business for support and help for this great cause. The level of support Danni received was outstanding, with many people contributing from across the business. “The amount of support I have received is amazing and would like to say a BIG thank you all for your support & generosity.”
In total, Danni raised
D u ri n g
$2923.90
Special mentions go to: BlueScope S&CP St Albans Rd Sunshine for raising: Impact Steel for raising: The Team at SMS – who matched BSL employee contributions up to $1000 which ended up being:
$204.45 $600.00 $919.45
Aft er, m u m & I
EDGE
PRODUCT
LOK-KLIP
Lysaght makes expansion joints
EASIER WITH LOK-KLIP
®
BlueScope’s steel building products business, Lysaght, has made its popular KLIP-LOK® steel roofing an even more attractive choice with the introduction of the new LYSAGHT LOK-KLIP® end joint/expansion joint system. Fast, effective and safe to use - this innovative product enables builders and roof fixers to easily and quickly install weather resistant end and expansion joints between overlapping sheets of LYSAGHT KLIP-LOK 700 HI-STRENGTH® or KLIP-LOK CLASSIC® 700 roof sheeting. Since its introduction by Lysaght in 1958, KLIP-LOK roofing has been a popular choice with architects, designers, builders and building owners because of its clean lines uninterrupted by fasteners. ®
The low profile of the LYSAGHT LOK-KLIP® system, compatible with both steel and translucent sheeting, maintains the long clean lines of the KLIP-LOK® profile without cluttering the roof space with clearly visible step joints. Comprising a fully engineered bracket manufactured from 100% Australian made ZINCALUME® steel and custom shaped weather resistant polyethylene strips, the LYSAGHT LOK-KLIP® system has been fully tested under cyclonic and non-cyclonic conditions for weather resistance and wind uplift performance in Lysaght’s own NATA accredited testing facility. The new LYSAGHT LOK-KLIP® system proved itself when used by Maroochydore roofing specialist Regan Projex on Stockland’s Brightwater Market Place project on the Sunshine Coast. The project called for the installation of over 3000 square metres of LYSAGHT KLIP-LOK HI-STRENGTH® steel cladding manufactured from COLORBOND® steel in the colour Surfmist®. “When we were planning this project Lysaght’s roofing experts suggested using their new LYSAGHT LOK-KLIP® solution for the step joint half way along the skillion roof,” Ashley Regan, owner of RPX said. “We were working with sheet lengths up to 29.3 metres, so thermal expansion was an issue.
“We do a lot of long length roofing and while fixing the sheets is a pretty quick process, expansion joints can take time, especially if you haven’t got a good system to use.” The unique LOK-KLIP® bracket is secured to the bottom sheet using standard roofing fasteners and is designed to hold the top sheet firmly against the profiled polyethylene weather resistant strip thereby creating the weather resistant seal, all while maintaining LYSAGHT KLIP-LOK® roofing’s ability to accommodate normal thermal expansion and contraction. “Actually it’s not very complicated,” Ashley Regan said. “Our crew went cautiously at first because they hadn’t used the LYSAGHT LOK-KLIP® system before, but after four or five sheets it was a breeze. It’s very simple”. Because roof installation using the LYSAGHT LOK-KLIP® system can be faster than incorporating traditional step joints, shorter sheet lengths can be economically utilised avoiding the potential site and handling issues of longer roof sheets. Without the additional purlin detailing required for conventional step joints, the LYSAGHT LOK-KLIP® system can also save you money. The LYSAGHT LOK-KLIP® solution is the next step in the evolution of one of Australia’s most popular, and proven, industrial and commercial roofing systems. Lysaght is a business unit of BlueScope and a leading manufacturer and supplier of steel building products and solutions, with a product range including roofing and walling, rainwater goods, fences, home improvements, purlins and structural formwork. For further information on these products visit www.lysaght.com, call your local Lysaght branch or Steel Direct on 1800 641 417.
BO OK
REVIEW THE CONNECT EFFECT
T C E N N O C THE Humans are social animals. Therefore, in both personal and business life, networking is an important force. For example, managers and business owners often face complex problems whose solutions require gathering information from people with a variety of expertise, whom they may not know personally. Author Michael Dulworth is the first to admit that much of networking is simple common sense, but doing it well, he says, requires planning. In this straightforward book, he provides a quick explanation of how to improve your networking skill, whether you’re an introvert or an extrovert, and of how to use networks in your work life. Although only a short book it has relevance to almost anyone from recent graduates, workers and managers to business owners who want to improve their performance and get ahead in their chosen fields.
Finding Those Special People Networking helps you expand the personal connections that contribute to your knowledge and social community. Doing it well can help you reach your personal and professional goals. People used to rely on face-to-face interactions to create their networks, but Web sites such as Facebook and LinkedIn are enabling them to use virtual connections as well. Networking is especially important for managers and business owners, who use it to find resources, information, suppliers and other elements they need to complete their projects or run their business. Since the people in your network stay on top of developing cultural and business trends, their knowledge is often more up-to-date than that in books or periodicals. All members of a network benefit when the participants freely exchange information and contacts. Reciprocity is the key to successful networking. The only special skill or attribute you need to become a good networker is the willingness to share information with others. A high-quality network includes people who are knowledgeable, experienced and well connected. They have the clout to make things happen. Although having a large network is a good thing, knowing the right people is ultimately more important than knowing many people. Answer these eight questions to determine your networking skill: 1. How many people are in your personal, professional and virtual networks? 2. How strong are your relationships with the members of your networks? 3. How diverse are your networks, in terms of age, gender, culture and profession? 4. How high-quality are your network contacts? 5. How much effort do you put into building your networks? 6. How often do you actively seek contacts? 7. How much do you share with others in your networks? 8. How often do you use the Internet to expand your networks?
Appreciate Your Connections Human beings are naturally social – you probably network every day without even realising it. However, to use and develop your networks really well, you must become systematic and conscientious – even about maintaining your basic family and community networks.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR Michael Dulworth is president and CEO of a company that specialises in creating peer networks for human resource professionals in large organisations.
Networking begins at home. For example, the list of people to whom you send Christmas or birthday cards are part of your immediate network. Over time, these relationships may grow, deteriorate or revive, but even an annual connection can keep the network alive. Professional networks often begin with the contacts you make in university or graduate school, such as lecturers and fellow students. Expand your professional network by joining advisory boards or writing articles with established, wellrespected co-authors. These kinds of accomplishments enhance your credibility.
T EFFECT Map your networks
Maintain your brand’s strength and quality:
Try these methods to visualise your networks:
• Strength – What people perceive to be your best attributes and deepest interests. Demonstrate your capabilities to give others a vivid impression of you.
• Write a short memoir about your family, classmates, professional colleagues and others who influenced you. • Use your address book to make a tree diagram that shows how the people in your world are interconnected. Note how you met each person. • Create a spreadsheet, by hand, with a spreadsheet program or with a Webbased tool, that lists people’s names, occupations, the dates of your most recent contact with them, their areas of expertise, their birthdays and the names of their spouse and children. Using the information in your map, categorize each connection: Is he or she a family member or good friend? An acquaintance? Someone whose business card you just found in your wallet? Look at other factors, such as each contact’s experience, accomplishments, and whether he or she has a personal network. Decide which contacts you’d like to get to know better.
Make a Plan To build your network, identify people with whom you want to establish relationships. The best way to meet them is to ask others to introduce you. Your friends, family and colleagues may know people you wish to meet at other companies or with particular expertise. Follow introductions with a specific request or offer to help. Relationships take time to develop, so be patient. Your contacts may have business or family commitments. Watch the clock and respect their time during your conversations. Show them they can trust you. Keep your word and do not gossip. To develop relationships beyond the superficial, talk about your interests. Stay up-to-date in your field so you can have meaningful conversations. Respond promptly – within 24 hours – to members of your network. Conferences and meetings are great opportunities to expand your networks. Share ideas and introduce people you know to others. Don’t just distribute business cards; this does not foster deep relationships. Instead, conduct honest, face-to-face conversations, in which you stay engaged and focused. Relate to others through your common interests. Renew friendships and make sure you have everyone’s current contact information. Networks require constant nurturing. Contact a few people in your network every day to keep it alive; however, don’t be afraid to call people you met a year ago.
Your Brand People associate certain images with brands such as Tiffany or Wal-Mart. You too have a brand, with its associated images – even if you don’t know it. Within your network, your reputation is your brand. Your reputation consists of what others say or think about you; in other words, third-party observations, whether or not you think they are correct. Thus, your brand may differ from your self-perception. Take control of your brand by building deep relationships. Keep the lines of communication open to make sure others have accurate perceptions about you, your interests, your accomplishments and your areas of expertise.
• Quality – Characteristics people attribute to you. These are positive, such as intelligence, honesty and reliability, or negative, such as laziness, dishonesty or selfishness.
You’re in the Zone When you have a working network of quality connections it will put you steps closer to meeting additional interesting people. Your network can always become richer. Physical distance can make communication difficult and reduce your network’s quality. Stay in touch with faraway contacts. Make sure your network is diverse in terms of age, professional and ethnic background. People who have diverse networks report that they are more successful than people with homogeneous circles of contacts. One researcher found that the top 20% of high-performing individuals at more than 50 organizations constantly search for new sources of information from a wide circle of contacts to avoid becoming isolated. Leave your comfort zone to enhance your problem solving abilities.
Types of Networks Networks come in all shapes and sizes and can comprise many different individuals. They also can be highly focused. Network types are: • Peer-to-peer – These networks include individuals who have similar occupations, roles and status in different organizations. They resemble professional trade associations, in that members share information about their best practices, engage each other at a high level and inform one another about innovative programs. Through this kind of information exchange, they improve their job performance, conserve resources, reduce risk and accelerate innovation. The Internet magnifies the power of these kinds of high-level discussions, advancing the entire profession. • Organizational – These networks may be either formal or informal. Formal organizational charts show who reports to whom, but they do not show who talks to whom. They don’t explain how people actually do their work. Informal organizational networks reveal organizational politics. They indicate who goes to whom for information and who has the real power. Some organisations create networks to accomplish short-term tasks. The network dissolves when it completes the task. • Communities of practice (CoPs) – People with similar interests create these networks to address common problems. CoPs have three distinguishing components: a “domain,” or area of shared concern; a “community” that is more than a collection of individuals, in which members do things in groups; and a “practice,” by which knowledge is not just theoretical but is the starting point for action.
E L I F F F O A ST PR Andrew Watson
13 72 82
Manager National Supply Chain and Operations BlueScope Distribution
Incorporating
Time in current role: 12 years in procurement and inventory planning, 2 years in operations Time with BlueScope: 16 Years with Union Steel, Email Metals, Smorgon Steel and BlueScope
1800 010 247
Responsibilities: Manage product procurement and inventory planning functions for BSD. Also Manage the National Operations team, including direct responsibility for four large BSD sites in the Southern Region. What satisfies you most about your work? Seeing people succeed. I am really motivated in my job when I see people in my team doing well, putting in additional effort and getting rewarded for it.
1300 661 156
I also like problem solving and love to see people come up with simple, novel solutions to problems.
THE EDGE newsletter has been prepared for information purposes only. BlueScope Steel makes no representation or warranty as to the completeness or accuracy of the information contained in the newsletter. You must make your own assessment of the information contained in the newsletter and rely on it wholly at your own risk. Published by BlueScope Steel Limited. ® are registered trade marks of BlueScope Steel Limited. ™ are trade marks of BlueScope Steel Limited. © 2013 BlueScope Steel Limited ABN 16 000 011 058
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How do you relax? I love to watch movies. I also spend quite a bit of time over the weekends at my childrens’ sporting events, which is sometimes relaxing.
STATE OFFICE CONTACT DETAILS
What book are you reading right now? The Power of Habit, by Charles Duhigg. It’s about how habits influence so much of what we do (both individually and as a population), and how understanding this can help you to change or make the most of the habits (the culture) of a group of people.
VICTORIA / TASMANIA Westall Ph: 03 8543 3666
0 7 7 2 5 9
NEW SOUTH WALES Auburn Ph: 02 9714 8000
SAFEEDGE FORKLIFTS AND PEDESTRIANS When pedestrians work or move in close proximity to operating forklifts there is a potential risk of serious injury occurring. Ensuring the safety of pedestrians is a critical aspect of workplace traffic management. Protecting pedestrians in the workplace requires decisive action in the form of a Traffic Management Plan to prevent pedestrians and forklifts coming into close proximity. Traffic Management Plan controls may include: • Substituting forklifts for other suitable lifting equipment • Changes to workplace to minimise traffic cross flow, intersections and blind spots • Define forklift operating zones as pedestrian exclusion zones
• Providing physical barriers around work zones (not just painted line) • Enforcing speed limits and boundaries • Maintaining good lighting and high-visibility clothing
QUEENSLAND Northgate Ph: 07 3622 9222 SOUTH AUSTRALIA / NORTHERN TERRITORY Ottoway Ph: 08 8245 3801 WESTERN AUSTRALIA Kewdale Ph: 08 6250 1000
More information available from Government workplace safety agencies.
www.bluescopedistribution.com.au
BSD0198 04/14
1300 306 204